Dr. Hui Jiang is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MGI. With a PhD in Biology, Hui has 15 years of experience in the research and development of sequencing technologies and applications. She has also contributed to major international research projects such as the International Thousand Genomes Project and has more than 110 publications and over 140 patents granted worldwide.

Hui has spent the past several years in R&D and commercialization of life science tools, including high-throughput sequencing platforms. He continues to play a key role in growing MGI into a successful player in the life sciences industry.

Kate Robinson (KR): What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

Hui Jiang (HJ): In my academic years there was was a common saying in China: “the 21^st century is the age of life sciences”, which I always believed in. Guided by this belief, I chose biotechnology as my major and immersed myself in an extensive study of biology.

In 2003, the Human Genome Project decoded the first reference sequence of a human genome and opened a new era for both life science research and industry. In the early stages, DNA sequencing technologies were not as advanced and efficient as they are today, but around 2005, a breakthrough was achieved with the production of high-throughput sequencing technologies, which led to the emergence of genomics research in various fields.

I saw the endless possibilities of DNA sequencing technologies, especially in healthcare, and the need to further reduce costs while improving efficiencyThat’s why I joined MGI, which confirmed my decision to contribute to the continued evolution of genomics. I believe that affordable gene sequencing technologies will accelerate research in life sciences, promote application in medical and non-medical fields, and ultimately the secrets of life.

KR: Can you tell us more about your current work at MGI and what you hope to achieve?

HJ: If As COO of MGI, I oversee business operations, integrate team resources, accelerate market penetration, and foster a culture of continuous innovation and growth.

Of a mission to develop and promote advanced life science tools for future healthcare, MGI provides real-time, panoramic, life-cycle devices and solutions for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare and other fields. We are committed to strengthening the genomics community with our continuous innovation in life sciences tools by overcoming cost and technical barriers. With seven years of expertise, the team Has grown into a successful sequencer manufacturer with a comprehensive product portfolio and a one-stop-shop solution for global markets.

KR: What do you enjoy most about your role as COO of MGI?

HJ: I joined MGI in 2016 and I have enjoyed every moment of exploring the boundaries of technologies, breaking barriers and to empower our users. Notable milestones include our successful IPO on September 9, 2022, marking a significant achievement in our journey.

Another memorable achievement is our involvement in more than 30 population genomics projects worldwide, to demonstrate the global impact of our work. I am also excited to see our global footprint expand with the establishment of seven locations and nine customer experience centers around the world, which have enabled us to support more than 2,600 customers from over 100 countries and regions.

KR: What was your best moment in 2023?

HJ: Today, continued innovation in DNA sequencing instruments, reagents and related products and applications continues to be a key focus of MGI, and I am proud that we are one of the few companies in the world capable of developing and mass producing clinical high-throughput sequencers based on our DNBSEQ™ technologies.

Last year, during the general meeting of Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT)we successfully launched the DNBSEQ-T20 sequencer, which enabled the first genome sequence under $100 and set a record for global gene sequencer throughput.

The DNBSEQ-T20×2 sequencer represents a product development of the T-series, designed for large population genome projects. One sequencer can support the operation of six slides simultaneously, producing up to 42 Tb per run with PE100 or even 72 Tb per run with PE150. A single DNBSEQ-T20×2 sequencer can produce up to 50,000 full genome sequences per year for less than $100 per 30 sequences, including instrument depreciation. With the high throughput and low cost, DNBSEQ-T20×2 opens new possibilities for research and medical applications. I believe this is what scientists and industry players are looking for.

KR: What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?

HJ: I have experienced many achievements with MGI. One of them is that when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, the team urgent clinical authorization procedure of For the first time, DNBSEQ-T7 (one of the productive sequencers) from the National Medical Products Administration was deployed, which helped identify and trace the virus and supported early genomic research into the pandemic.

I remember it happened during the Chinese New Year festival when most people were home for the family reunion. We saw the urgency of having a authorized sequencing platform for virus identification and screening, so a team of 10 people was assembled and we immediately started preparing documents. On On New Year’s Eve we had dinner in the conference room and a virtual meeting with the regional team. Thanks to this team effort we achieved the certification within a few days and we are proud to contribute to the fight against COVID.

KR: Genomics has always been considered a male dominated field. What advice would you give other women? make a career in genomics?

HJ: Follow your passion. I believe this is the best advice for everyone. The academic path is not easy; it requires a lot of perseverance and patience, and the ability to endure challenges, rejections and criticism. All of this can be more difficult for women than for men. However, with passion, it is possible to overcome everything.

KR: Do you feel like your gender gives you a different perspective and experience than your male colleagues?

HJ: It was a journey full of challenges, learning a lot and getting support from others in the field. Gender equality contributes to greater benefits and competitive advantages for companies. The higher the representation of women in leadership at all levels, the more likely it is to create diversity in creative thinking, innovation and insights.

KR: What do you think can be done to motivate more women to pursue a career in the science sector?

HJ: EffortMeasures should be taken to tackle prejudices and stereotypes such as ‘women are not for science’ in schools, universities and society, to boost women’s self-confidence and create a fair working environment. Female students should be encouraged by more scholarships, internships, mentorship, and research funding opportunities to support women pursuing an education and career in genomics.

Implementing family-friendly policies is also very crucial, such as flexible working hours, remote work options and parental leave, to accommodate parents. Leadership programs and tailored training for women are positive workplace initiatives to help women reach higher positions and build skills and confidence.

Dr. Hui Jiang, Chief Operating Officer of MGI, spoke with Kate Robinson, Assistant Editor of Technology Networks.

About the interviewee:

Dr. Hui Jiang is the Chief Operating Officer of MGI. With a PhD in Biology, Hui has 15 years of experience in the research and development of sequencing technologies and applications.